Looking For New Cookware

Q: I'm fairly new to this newsgroup, been lurking mostly. But now I need some advice from you experts. :o) I'm looking to buy new cookware. I have looked thru some catalogs and done a little window shopping, but getting another persons opinion helps me more than anything. I would like to try regular surface, not non-stick. A set most likely of two (or three) saucepans and a fry pan. Or would it be better to buy exactly what I want seperately? While cost isn't a huge issue, I'd rather not spend more than say...$300. I'm probably leaning toward, is it...Belgique? Anyone have this? How is it holding up with daily use? Any help would be appreciated.

A: Buy separately. Get a couple of All Clad saucepans (the stainless steel ones, not the LTD - the latter can't be stuck in the dishwasher without ruining the finish). Don't buy Calphalon. The darker color tends to burn food, you can't accurately see the color of light sauces, and you'll screw up the finish when you toss it in the dishwasher. Buy stuff that's on sale. Get a cheap ($15) cast iron frypan from your local hardware store. Don't get the expensive, shiny fry pans; they're a waste of money. You'll have to wash it by hand, but it'll outperform every fry pan in your local yuppie gourmet shop. While you're at the hardware store, consider buying a big stainless steel stockpot (about $20). Once again, the fancy ones are a big waste of money. With the money you'd save, you could buy a couple of really nice knives. Don't get anything with a glass lid; they're stupid and usually fog up. There's also a chance that they will break. In general for cookware, the heavier the better. Flimsy pans will warp fairly quickly. Don't buy anything with a plastic handle. Plastic melts (you can't toss it in the oven without worrying about this). Just use a potholder/kitchen rag to grab pan handles (this is a good habit to learn). Such a setup might last you 20-30 years.

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